Letters to the Editor Sunday

I am responding to the Feb. 22 letter to the editor, “To the Obama critics: ‘Shame on you,’” by Beth Kinstler.

I am sorry her friend E. Reid Martin died.

I understand that she is sure that the exhausting work of being the lone caregiver of her husband during his fight to survive cancer caused her to fail in her fight against her load.

She wrote, “If we had a different system, I believe that she would still be here with us.”

Beth, you are very right about the need for a different system and its name is “a caring society.”

I do know what I am saying, for I have been on both sides and as a caregiver the most.

My wife suffers from Sjorgens Syndrome, which caused all of her lachrymal glands in her eyelids to cease functioning in October 1971. Due to the subsequent scarring of her corneas, she was declared legally blind in 1974.

I am telling you, friends left like an ice cube melting on a cement patio on a hot summer day in Savannah, and family was close behind.

I don’t understand why she believes a federal law about paying for health care will send people to be caregivers to anyone’s house.

DAVID A. MAULE

Savannah

Live Oak Public Libraries partner in book festival

I have just read through the half-page advertisement in your Feb. 23 newspaper that was placed by the Savannah Book Festival.

I couldn’t help but note the absence of a mention of thanks to Live Oak Public Libraries for their efforts on behalf of the festival.

For the first time this year, LOPL was a partner in the Savannah Book Festival.

Well-known in the region for its own Savannah Children’s Book Festival held each November in Forsyth Park, the library helped ensure a sold out performance by “Wimpy Kid” series author Jeff Kinney at Trustee’s Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Our public library system publicized the event in its 18 branches in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties and via its social media outlets.

They also held a writing contest, challenging entrants to write in 25 words or less why they wanted to see Mr. Kinney. They awarded a family four-pack of tickets to the winner in each branch.

The library also afforded a volunteer opportunity for the event to the members of the Future Business Leaders of America chapter at Savannah Arts Academy. These talented young people worked with Live Oak’s staff at the event. They served as ushers and made sure all in attendance had a great time.

I do want to make sure that the public is aware of Live Oak’s participation in this increasingly popular and well-attended event of which Savannah should be very proud.

JANET B. WILSON

LOPL Foundation Board Member

Savannah

Baby-slapping column missed the mark

In response to Leonard Pitts’ commentary in the Feb. 25 paper, “Baby gets cruel lesson in life,” as with so many who write their so-called unbiased opinion, he insinuates this is just a first of many slaps this child will get at the hands of racist and non-racist white people.

Then he goes on to mention that statistics are on his side regarding this statement. Statistically, this child is more likely to be hit, beat, abused and or murdered by an African-American than a racist.

The alleged attacker was arrested, charged and currently released (fired/unemployed) by the company for which he was an executive.

What this man did was wrong and everyone agrees.

Mr. Pitts would like to lump all white people into the same category as the alleged attacker, so he can stir up hate and racial contempt.

More African-Americans in America are killed every year than the total number of U.S. servicemen and women who have died in 10 years of armed conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

In reality, it’s not even close over the same time span.

The number is almost 100,000 African-Americans over 10 years, compared to almost 7,000 servicemen and women killed in these two wars over that decade. Ninety-three percent of African-Americans are killed by African-Americans.

JOE WATSON

Brooklet

Pencils and papers still good for some things

In response to Mark Hulme’s letter of Feb. 26 (“Today’s teachers should join the 21st century”), what does one do when, or if, the Internet no longer works?

LEONARD DAY

Savannah

Paula Deen still a ‘tremendous ambassador’

As an avid reader of the Savannah Morning News, I particularly enjoy the Vox Populi and Letters to the Editor sections of your paper. However, lately I have been amazed at the unkind, almost hostile, remarks aimed at Paula Deen.

I do not personally know Paula. However, many years ago, I did meet her two little boys when they came into the bank where I was employed, selling sandwiches that their mother had made.

My co-workers and I would buy those sandwiches, not only because they were wonderful to eat, but also because the boys were so sweet.

We followed Paula when she opened her first restaurant at its original location, as her food was the best lunch we could find. She has continued that same quality up to today.

My present job allows me to travel throughout the country meeting a wide array of people.

When they ask where I’m from, and I tell them Savannah, the first question is usually, “Do you know Paula Deen?”

I tell them no, but that I sure am proud of her and her accomplishments.

She is a tremendous ambassador for Savannah, and I am always puzzled when I hear people from our own area have negative comments about her.

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Leonard Pitts' view of the world he lives in is based on race.
He is not intelligent enough to recognize reality.
People like Leonard perpetuate the true hardships that face Black people in America (and many other parts of the world).
The "hood" dosen't help a black person. Individualism is the best formula for success! More and more happy, safe, successful, black people are living their own lives, untethered from "blackness", and finding that the human race is more embracing.

What part of Mr. Watsons letter do you dispute?
When white conservatives are angry how does a black person benefit? Is living according to color beneficial for anyone?
Are the problems of violence in the black community a white conservative caused problem?

Are you saying that Leonard Pitts' racist columns only anger white conservatives? You don't think they might anger white liberals or even other blacks. Personally I believe his columns show just how racist he is.